Home Honolulu Press Releases 2010 $10,000 Reward Offered in Search for the “Backpack Bandit”
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$10,000 Reward Offered in Search for the “Backpack Bandit”

FBI Honolulu December 07, 2010
  • Special Agent Tom Simon (808) 566-4300

Daphne Hearn, Interim Special Agent in Charge of the Honolulu office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Richard Robinson, Commander of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Criminal Investigations Division, announced today that a reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of a serial bank robber dubbed the “Backpack Bandit,” who is believed to be responsible for at least four separate bank robberies on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. This reward is separate from the CrimeStoppers reward of up to $1,000 announced earlier.

The robberies took place throughout 2010 and are detailed as follows:

  • 3/31/2010: Hawaii Federal Credit Union, 1244 Kaumualii, Honolulu, HI
  • 5/26/2010: American Savings Bank, 1851 N. King St., Honolulu, HI
  • 9/1/2010: Bank of Hawaii, 94-661 Kupuohi St., Waipahu, HI
  • 11/26/2010: Bank of Hawaii, 94-661 Kupuohi St., Waipahu, HI

In all of the robberies, the Backpack Bandit approached the bank teller and placed a dark-colored backpack on the counter. He then brandished a black semi-automatic handgun from the backpack, pointed the gun at the teller, and verbally demanded money. Accordingly, this serial bank robber is considered to be armed and dangerous.

The Backpack Bandit is described as an Asian/Pacific-Islander male in his 30s, 5’5” tall, and weighing 190 pounds. In three of the robberies, the Backpack Bandit wore sunglasses resting on top of a dark-colored hat. During three of the robberies, he also wore what appeared to be a wig.

Tips regarding the Backpack Bandit should go directly to CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300. Tipsters may also text “CS808” and their tip to CRIMES (274637).

Honolulu “Backpack Bandit,” Photo 1 of 2 (12/7/10) Honolulu “Backpack Bandit,” Photo 2 of 2 (12/7/10)